Our thanks to God
is simply our part
in the chain of gratitude
that binds our hearts.

This is not a chain that weighs
as a burden would;
It’s a chain of arms and hands
transforming shoulds
to: I do, I am, I give.

Thanks transform.
Thanks cause us to thrive.
Thanks teach us to live,
not merely be alive.

Thanks don’t talk.
Thanks proclaim.
Thanks give credit
and don’t bother with blame.
Lord, please catch us giving thanks
at the beginning
and the ending
of our days.

© Joel Tipple
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